The Bund Architectural Complex in Shanghai

　　150 years ago, when colonists set foot on this unfamiliar land of Shanghai, they were immediately drawn to this stretch of riverbank along the Huangpu River. Thus, what was once a towpath trodden by boatmen and laborers has, after over a hundred years of development, transformed into a bustling area lined with towering buildings and constant traffic. These structures, embodying both classicism and modernism, have become symbols of Shanghai.

　　The Bund stretches approximately 1.5 kilometers from the Waibaidu Bridge in the north to East Jinling Road in the south. It lies along the eastern bank of the Huangpu River, with 52 buildings of diverse architectural styles lining its western side. The essence of the Bund lies in this collection of buildings, known as the “Exhibition of International Architecture.” Notable structures such as the Bank of China Building, Peace Hotel, Customs House, and HSBC Building echo the former glory of the “Wall Street of the Far East.” Though not designed by the same architect or built in the same period, these buildings share a largely unified color scheme and an astonishingly harmonious overall silhouette. Whether viewed from afar or strolled through up close, one can sense a powerful, majestic, graceful, and luxurious atmosphere.

　　Some say, “The story of the Bund is the story of Shanghai.” The concrete and steel buildings along the Bund vividly recount the dreamlike prosperity of old Shanghai.

　　Asia Building

　　Dubbed the “First Building on the Bund,” it was completed in 1906 and originally named the McBain Building. Standing eight stories tall with a floor area of 11,984 square meters and covering a land area of 1,739 square meters, the building features an eclectic architectural style. Its façade is divided horizontally into three sections and vertically into three tiers. The lower and upper sections exhibit Baroque-style designs, while the middle section showcases a modernist architectural style. The building is imposing and majestic, combining simplicity with grandeur. It can be described as a tasteful blend of complexity and elegance, radiating luxury and refinement.

　　Tokyo London – Dongfeng Hotel

　　“Tokyo London” is the nickname of the current Dongfeng Hotel. Built in 1910, it is a Renaissance-style building whose exterior draws inspiration from both American classicism and Japan’s Imperial Hotel, hence its nickname. Originally constructed at No. 2 Zhongshan 1st Road, it served as the most luxurious club in Shanghai at the time—the Shanghai Club. The first floor housed a restaurant, the second floor hosted the International Sailors’ Club, and the remaining floors contained guest rooms. The hotel is fully equipped and exquisitely decorated, making it an ideal choice for business stays. The unique triangular elevator inside, manufactured by Siemens, is 90 years old.

　　Union Building

　　Located at No. 4 East Zhongshan 1st Road, it is now owned by Singapore’s Gee Tai Private Limited. Originally called the Union Building, it was owned by the American Union Bank, hence the name Union Bank Building. Completed in 1916, the seven-story building imitates Renaissance architectural style. The window frames often feature Baroque-style patterns full of swirling designs, and the main entrance is adorned with Ionic columns. The tall floor-to-ceiling windows not only enhance natural lighting but also add to the building’s grandeur. The entire structure is symmetrical along a central axis centered on the main door, creating a sense of harmony.

　　The East-Meets-West Nissin Building

　　The Nissin Building, which blends modern Western and classical Japanese architectural styles, is referred to as “Japanese-Jewish Style.” It was jointly built by the Japanese shipping company NYK Line (Nippon Yusen Kaisha) and Jewish investors. Constructed in 1925 at No. 5 East Zhongshan 1st Road, the six-story building covers an area of 1,280 square meters. The lower three floors feature relatively simple decorations, while the upper three boast classical columns and carved ornaments with a strong sense of relief. The entire façade is clad in granite, complementing the other buildings along the Bund. The Nissin Building is currently occupied by Huaxia Bank and Jindu Industrial Corporation.

　　China Merchants Bank Building

　　No. 6 East Zhongshan 1st Road. In 1897, the first bank funded by Chinese nationals—the China Merchants Bank—was established here. It now houses the Hong Kong-based Kerry Properties International Enterprise Limited. The building is a faux four-story Gothic structure. The fourth floor features five pointed rooftops, which originally included crosses. The third and fourth floors also have small spires. The fourth floor is fitted with pointed arch windows, while the first and second floors showcase typical Gothic-style stained glass windows. This nearly century-old European-style building holds significance beyond its historical and artistic value. It can be said to have marked the inaugural chapter in the history of Chinese finance.

　　Great Northern Telegraph Company Building

　　No. 7 East Zhongshan 1st Road is a Renaissance-style building. Emphasizing unity, symmetry, and stability, its exterior is highly ornate. Each floor features classical-style columns, serving either structural or purely decorative purposes. The windows are surrounded by diverse, three-dimensional patterns reminiscent of Baroque style. Its black roof and white windows create a striking contrast, yet still maintain an elegant feel. This building now serves as the Shanghai branch of Bangkok Bank. Since its completion in 1908, it has changed ownership four times. It was initially known as the Great Northern Telegraph Company Building, later used by the China Merchants Bank and the Yangtze River Shipping Company.

　　China Merchants Steam Navigation Company Building

　　As the first modern shipping enterprise operated by Chinese nationals, the China Merchants Steam Navigation Company was founded during this period. Established in 1901, the building is a three-story brick-and-wood structure facing west and east. The main entrance on the ground floor protrudes outward, flanked by tall arched floor-to-ceiling windows. The second and third floors are adorned with classical columns. Parts of the exterior walls are covered with granite. The China Merchants Building is considered a quintessential example of Bund architecture from the late 19th to early 20th century. Both historically and artistically, it is well worth a visit.

　　SPD Bank Building (formerly Shanghai Municipal Government Building and HSBC Building)

　　No. 10-12 East Zhongshan 1st Road, built in 1923 in the Neo-Greek style, it was originally the Shanghai branch of the American HSBC. At the time, the U.S. hailed this building as the most exquisite from the Suez Canal to the Bering Strait in the Far East. Upon completion, two eye-catching bronze lions were placed at the entrance. Legend says the molds were destroyed immediately after casting to ensure these were one-of-a-kind pieces, now housed in the Shanghai History Museum. On the ceiling of the octagonal lobby, about 20 meters above the ground, there are eight murals made of hundreds of thousands of tiny colored mosaic tiles, each just a few square centimeters in size. Measuring 4.3 meters wide and 2.4 meters high, they depict architectural scenes from eight cities—Shanghai, Hong Kong, London, Paris, New York, Tokyo, Bangkok, and Kolkata—in the early 20th century, accompanied by mythological figures. There are also 24 depictions of animals from mythology. The massive mythological mural on the ceiling spans nearly 200 square meters. Accessible via buses 20, 22, 37, 42, 55, 65, 126, 212, 401, and others.

　　 Shanghai Huangpu District